A new used-car dealership, and a new operator for a local liquor store, were approved Thursday by the Plan Commission.

The commission approved special use permits for a new auto sales business at 505 Tenney St. (the former Derby and Wareco gas station location) and for a new operator for Trading Post Liquors, 431 N. East St.

Eric Ellenberger, former owner of the Finish Line used-vehicle dealership on North Main Street, sought the special use permit to operate the auto sales lot on Tenney Street.

City Manager Kip Spear, who is also the city’s zoning officer, said the city zoning ordinance requires a special use permit for a dealership, even if, like the Tenney Street property, it’s in an area zoned B-3 business.

Ellenberger applied for the special use permit on behalf of the owner of the property, Ramesh Kochurama.

Ellenberger told the Plan Commission he plans to use the existing building on the property as a sales office, and to park cars both in front of the building and to the west of it. He said he would put down white rock in that area.

In the future, Ellenberger said, he might build wash bays on the property.

The applicant for the liquor store permit was Abdelfattah Asad, applying on behalf of property owner Dzelil Osmani.

The liquor store has operated on the premises for four years. Two neighbors spoke as objectors to the permit, saying there were problems at the store under the previous ownership.

Asad told the commission he has operated a beer and wine store in Milwaukee for 20 years.

Both permits were approved on unanimous votes by the commission. They now go to the City Council for final approval.